We must debunk the notion that our seniors are physically and mentally disadvantaged, or worse, economically unproductive (Focus on positive attributes of seniors, by Mr Lim Chee Khiam; June 26).

It saddens me to observe that the world has become more youth-oriented and fearful of getting old. Gone are the days when age was associated with wisdom and experience.

Older Singaporeans today are better educated and healthier than ever before, and they can continue to contribute to the economy.

As home-owners, many elderly parents not only allow their grown-up children to stay with them, but also give them financial assistance as and when it is needed.

The media can play a proactive role in highlighting positive aspects of the older generation to dispel the notion that seniors receive more than they give.

It irks me that television commercials are more interested in the younger set, without realising that a toothbrush or toothpaste sold to an older consumer is just as profitable as one pitched to a much younger person.

Hence, instead of subtly writing seniors off as a generation of irrelevant and unproductive people, more can be done to portray older people as an economic and market force to be reckoned with, besides being contributors to the community.

Jeffrey Law Lee Beng